Dwight Howard talks over with the Brooklyn Nets

The Nets have missed out on Dwight Howard, with talks ending between the two. It was confirmed today that the Nets would be without the star centre this season. Whether the Nets signed Howard or missed out, they would get a great centre, as they have, by resigning Brook Lopez. The Brooklyn team signed Lopez on a four year deal reportedly worth $60.8million! According to many reliable sources, the Nets are done talking with the Orlando Magic about a possible trade for Howard. The Nets needed some sort of decision on the Howard saga by Wednesday, because the Charlotte Bobcats along with other teams had interest in Lopez.

If the Nets did get Howard, it would’ve made a brilliant ‘Big 3’ of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson and D-12 himself. It seemed that the Nets were close to signing the three time Defensive Player of the Year and he could have been signed today if Howard hadn’t relinquished his early termination option with the Magic in March.

For Howard, it looks as if he will stay in his unwanted home at Orlando. Unless the Magic are still willing to do a straight trade with the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, it seems unlikely he will move. But the Lakers do not look like giving up Bynum. The Magic once again look very one-dimensional, with no real support for Howard. It looks as if once again, the Magic will struggle to make the playoffs.

The Nets have signed Deron Williams to a long-term contract with the franchise, and are heading to Brooklyn with a great squad. They’ve added much needed firepower with Joe Johnson and a consistent performer in Gerald Wallace. Also this season they add power forwards Reggie Evans from the Clippers and exciting shooter Mirza Teletovic.

Along with these additions, Lopez must return to health to give the Nets a well rounded team. After fracturing his foot last season, he played just five games. His rebounding will also improve immensely, with Kris Humphries by his side. In the 2010-11 season, Lopez averaged 20.4 points per game and has looked like a player with potential.

The Nets may have benefited from not gaining Howard, as they get to keep players such as MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez and many future draft picks that may have been traded for the Magic’s main man.

The Nets could still obtain Howard, but once Lopez signs his new contract, he can’t be traded until January 15. If Howard is in Orlando and not in LA, he could end up in Brooklyn.

Currently, the Nets need to focus on their own season, and what it beholds, if everything goes to plan, we may have a new title contender in the East.

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About elliotthoffmann

Elliott Hoffmann is a Law/Journalism student with a passion for writing and a passion for sports. A basketball agnostic with a soft spot for the Thunder and Kings, he is also a keen fan of AFL, NRL, tennis and cricket.
Currently working with Champion Data taking the AFL stats, he is also writing about the NRL for Draftstars.
He'll mostly be found writing about the NBA and Cricket for Point Forward, but don't be surprised to find some musings on other sports.
Twitter: @PFPElliott